Nicholas Branson

Nicholas Jefferson Branson, 25, of St. Louis, Missouri passed away on his own accord and as a result of mental health issues on January 1, 2019. He was born October 17, 1993 in St. Louis. Nic was the beloved son of Lisa (Thompson) Vaughan, Chris Vaughan, Kevin Branson, and Kathy Branson.

Nic’s presence, authentic personality, and witty comments left others with a smile and a connection unlike any other.

Despite years of struggling with his inner demons, Nic achieved so much in his life.  Nic graduated from Francis Howell High School Summa Cum Laude in 2012 where he displayed his natural brilliance.  He received the Red Cord Graduate Department Award, was nominated for 2nd Team All-State and All-Metro in his Sophomore and Junior years, played various characters in Theater, received the Theater Cappie Award for his performance in Distracted, participated in Honors Choir, Spectra, several AP classes, and the Robotics Club.  After high school, Nic went on to by perform Stand-Up Comedy in Los Angeles as well as playing the piano and singing at several venues. He returned to St. Louis and later became a loyal and valued employee at Total Access Urgent Care.

Nic enjoyed performing, writing, gaming, and anything Harry Potter. He wrote poems, comedy sketches, and was in the process of writing a screenplay. Above all, his greatest passion was music. He was a self-taught pianist and guitarist. No matter the place, if there was a piano, Nic was at the bench enchanting all around with his musical touch and belting out songs so beautifully that people would stop, stand around him and take in the goodness of his soul within his music. He most passionately sang songs by his favorite band, The Fray.

Nic is survived by his parents, his four sisters and one brother: Brittany Meyer (Kevin), Hayley Cichacki (Mike), Casey Branson, Chayse Vaughan and Ava Vaughan. He is also survived by his fraternal grandparents Betty and Jim Branson of Union, MO. He was immensely loved by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and family.

In the words of Nic’s mom and as he would have wanted, “Please continue your shenanigans until we meet again.”

Please visit Nic’s Facebook Page for future memorial events, activities, and fundraisers. https://www.facebook.com/nic.j.branson

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness organization is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

The NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264 or in a crisis, text NAMI to 741741